Today, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is marking annual Adult Safeguarding Day, a day which aims to raise a greater understanding of adult abuse and safeguarding.

Annual Safeguarding Day is an annual initiative of Safeguarding Ireland, supported by organisations across the health, social, financial and justice sectors.

Speaking about the day, HIQA’s Chief Inspector of Social Services, Carol Grogan, said:

“Everyone has a right to be safe and to have their rights promoted. Today as we mark Adult Safeguarding Day, it is important that we reflect on the holistic and human-centred approach that is required across social care services. It is essential that everyone recognises their individual and collective responsibilities to ensure that people who are at risk are supported to live free from harm. 

“Good, effective safeguarding practices enable people to recognise and call out poor practices that may put people at risk. It requires an openness to discuss safeguarding concerns, to reflect and learn from incidents or risk in an open and transparent manner. 

“Good safeguarding practice requires a partnership approach with the person, to understand their wants, needs and preferences to ensure that they can be supported in line with their wishes to achieve the best possible outcomes.

“As an organisation, we are committed to ensuring a human rights-based approach to care and support, including through following up on safeguarding practices through regulation of services. I hope that Adult Safeguarding Day highlights this important issue and promotes effective safeguarding practices.” 

Ends.

Further information:
Zoe Forde, Communications Manager
085 802 1469, zforde@hiqa.ie

Notes to editor:
•    HIQA’s remit under the Health Act 2007, as amended, includes the regulation of social care services, such as designated centres for people with disabilities, as carried out by the Chief Inspector.
•    In 2019, HIQA and the Mental Health Commission published National Standards for Adult Safeguarding. The standards provide a framework for best practice in safeguarding adults in health and social care services in Ireland. These standards recognise that any adult may be at risk of harm as a result of circumstances and or a condition and may need help to protect themselves at any point in their lives. The standards, and an online learning course to support service providers and staff to implement the standards, can be accessed here.